Amy Scott's Thoughts

Sharing the thoughts that bounce around in my brain!

Waterfalls July 25, 2011

Filed under: Bible,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 3:10 pm

This last weekend, my husband and I got a chance to steal away to the mountains. It was a spur of the moment camping trip. Those that know me well, know that I am not a spontaneous person. Normally my trips are well planned out in advance and in great detail. Jeremy suggested that we go camping on our drive into church on Wednesday night. Of course, there were things to discuss, but once all the details were sorted, in less than 24 hours we were on the road for a mini-vacation adventure.

Before I got married I wasn’t much of a camper. My dad joked that my sister and I’s idea of camping was staying at a Super 8. Since my family wasn’t really into camping, all I had to go off of was an experience I had in 4th grade when I went camping for one night as a Girl Scout. The highlights from that trip long ago were making pizza pockets and drinking Apple Cider from the mix which I had discovered for the first time that night. With such a limited camping history, I didn’t realize that I would become the person that goes on a camping trip every summer. This summer I even get to go on two camping adventures!

By far one of the biggest advantages to camping is the fact that I get to unplug from the real world for a bit. It’s great to travel to a location where there is no cell reception and no electricity. Laptops and television have no place while enjoying the great outdoors. There is something relaxing about sitting at the campfire with a good book while being shaded by tall, old trees.  The chance to step away from the busyness of life and the constant connection of technology allows you to hear and see in different ways.

Where we have camped the last two years is called the Lower Fall Recreation Area in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The title of the campground might be lacking when it comes to describing this beautiful area. The Lower Falls are located on the Lewis River and are literally right next to the campground. Our campsite was on the loop closest to the falls and you could hear them day and night as they flowed ever constant.

Psalms 42:7 says, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” This verse came to mind as I visited the falls. There is so much power in a waterfall. You can feel the spray even at a distance. You can hear the water even before you can see the falls. The amount of water that pours over a waterfall is powerful. It’s presence can not be denied! Just like this waterfall, there is a strong parallel to God’s presence. Waterfalls can be very pretty, but their strength can also be intense. When you compare God to a waterfall, you can see how He pours over you. This presence roars – it is not silent! I would imagine that having the waves and breakers sweeping over you might be overwhelming  and definitely overpowering! Unlike the truly deadly effects of the Lower Falls, I know that when God sweeps over me, it will not be to harm to me. Oh, it might not feel good, but even in the roar of life, I can see how He uses each situation to speak to me and show me His presence. I am in awe of the God who created this mighty waterfall. His love has an intensity that I can see through the example of nature. I couldn’t ignore the sound of the falls from my campsite, I can not ignore the sound of God in my life. Washed over by His waves and breakers, I can see my dependence on Him.

 

Changing Seasons July 20, 2011

Filed under: Bible,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 11:40 am

I’m guessing our unusual summer weather has something to do with this, but I’m desperately craving the fall season. It is my favorite of all seasons. I love scents of fall and the colors of fall. I enjoy the colder nights and the warmer clothing. Fall is hinting its way through these July days. Since I’ve been thinking a lot about the seasons of weather, I’ve also been thinking a lot about the seasons of life. So often nature beautifully reflects what we can see in our spiritual life and relationship with the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Life has a way of ebbing and flowing just like the seasons on our calendar. There is a time and a place for everything. Not every season is the same. In my Bible reading plan, I’m going through the book of Psalms. In the context of seasons, I can see how each psalm is written in a different season of the author’s life. Some of the psalms are joyous and full of praise. Some of the psalms are pleas for salvation and deliverance from the current struggle.

I find the psalms reliving to my soul. I sometimes feel guilty about the ups and downs I feel in my day to day life. Some days are glorious and I feel like I am on top of the world. During these up days, it’s easier for me to focus on God’s goodness and the blessing He has poured into my life. As a woman in ministry, I feel a strange pressure to always live in these up days. I wish I knew where in my leadership development, I grasped onto this belief that the world must always be sunshine and roses if you are truly serving the Lord. Now let me say, that there are times when I do feel life is full of sunshine and roses. It is easy to be grateful for these warm and wonderful seasons. However, in order for there to be seasons, there must be distinctive changes in the weather of our lives.

Not all the psalms are happy and joyful. I feel a strong connection to the psalms that are gut-wrenchingly honest about the low times. Life isn’t peachy all the time. Hard times come and the only way to get through them is to call out to God. The great thing about these psalms is that they highlight the need for God to intervene in our lives. Salvation comes only from the Lord! When I’m feeling down, I am reminded that I am not the only one to face struggles in this life. God’s anointed servants also had times of great pain, doubt and worry. This shows me that being a committed Christ-follower doesn’t mean I am always magically happy or I no longer encounter struggle. It is real to admit that some seasons of life are harder than others. The harder seasons are what open our eyes to our dependence on God. When things are going good, it’s easy to forget we need God. When all our comforts are stripped, we can see that all we need is God.

As I look outside at this moment, the sky is full of gray clouds with a few small patches of blue. The truth is not all seasons are extreme. There are season of extreme good and extreme bad, but most of the time each season has its mix of ups and downs. Even now, I feel like I’m entering a new season and leaving the old one behind. Each season only last for a time and then it passes on. I’m looking for God and good in all seasons. I know I have mentioned it before – Romans 8:28 has become my mantra as of late – God will work all things for good. This might not seem too shocking of a statement, but I don’t see the big picture like God does. Things that I don’t see as good, I know He will use them from my good and for my growth and development. In each season I will repeat that God has good in store for me and will use all my experiences for His glory. He can use the up times and the down times. He can use the seasons of sun and the seasons of rain.

 

Counting Your Blessings July 11, 2011

Filed under: Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 7:40 pm

I have been inspired by a friend and her recent Facebook posts on the various gifts of her day. My personality doesn’t lend me to thinking of the positive very often. I wish it did, so I could be bubbly all the time. Sadly, this is not true. Over the last couple of months I have found myself in a hard place in life. Not necessarily major stuff, but it seems that a lot of small things really can add up.

As a result of these posts that I have seen on Facebook, I’m trying to remind myself of the good things I find in each day. There is always a blessing to be found and counted. I really should do this exercise daily, if not hourly! So I have decided to count my blessings of the day and share them with you!

  1. My breakfast – a McGriddle (something I don’t get all that often and is oh so yummy).
  2. Hugs from kids at VBA
  3. Getting the exact form I needed so I could mail a complete registration packet
  4. My hubby’s many smiles and silliness
  5. Ordering new bedding
  6. Getting into my pajamas early and watching movies
  7. Day dreaming
  8. Fresh strawberries from Jeremy’s garden
  9. Getting the check for my first published article
  10. A card and gift from loved ones

I could and should probably think of more, but this blog can not go on forever! I now have Bing Crosby singing  “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” running through my head. Maybe this what I will do tonight before I go to sleep!

 

Growing Pains July 6, 2011

Filed under: Bible,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 2:22 pm

Kids are always growing. It seems you blink and they have sprouted up another inch or two. Working in children’s ministries, I have seen many kids go from being shorter than me to being taller than me (which isn’t too hard to since I’m only 5’3). There is an awkwardness that comes with these growth spurts. Things don’t fit quiet right – pant legs are now too short and shoes are a little too small. Kids need a lot of nutrition during this time as they form their grown-up frames. Along with this spurt of growth come the dreaded growing pains. It takes a lot of effort to grow and it can leave you feel achy in places that are being stretched.

I may have no hope of getting taller while on this planet. I’m sure my growth spurts have past and I’m stuck at the height I am now. However, I am in a constant state of growth in my relationship with the Lord. In terms of faith, I am a child of God (Galatians 3:26 – “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith”). Notice the word child. I am not a grown up yet and probably won’t be on this side of heaven. I’ll be in a constant state of growth. This means – growing pains! The tension and the pulling of new life situations is shaping me more and more into the person that God wants me to be.

Recently, I have felt that I am in a growth spurt. This makes life a little awkward because things aren’t fitting as well as they used to. Just like a kid outgrowing a pair of shoes, once you’ve moved up shoe sizes the smaller shoes are no longer an option. The awkwardness isn’t as bad as the ache that comes from new growth. Growing is tiring and it hurts. These growth spurts determine how I am growing up in my faith. Each decision is a chance to grow closer to Christ and take on more of His image. Just like the nutrition children need, spiritual nutrition is so important to a growing Christ follower. I am more apt to respond appropriately to life when I have been meditating on the Word of God. The more of the Word I can feed myself, the stronger I will be in these challenging situations.

Growing might not be fun in the moment, but once the effort has been put forth, it is worth it. Kids are so proud of themselves when they are taller than when you last measured them. They can sense they are maturing and they know they are on their way to becoming who they are meant to be. Just like a child, I need to be excited about my growth and not view it as a negative thing. The pains and distractions of growing pains can take my eyes off the fact that God is doing this for my good. There is a reason for the situations I have walked through and they are preparing me and maturing me.

Life isn’t as simple as I once thought it would be. I believed that if you didn’t go looking for drama or hard situations then they would stay clear of you. When I evaluate all that is on my plate, I often tell God I didn’t ask for this stuff and I didn’t go looking for it. How did it find me? I’m starting to believe that what doesn’t kill you does make you stronger. Not all situations in life are grand and glorious. There are a lot of things I would like to edit out of my life. However, these are the situations that will strengthen my faith.

The pain and awkwardness of growth are worth the results. This child of God has had her melt down moments… more like temper tantrums! I want to throw myself down and say I’m done. Fortunately, I have a loving father who doesn’t let me stay where I am at and encourages me to grow beyond the familiar boundaries I know. Life is a continual growth process. Once I master one thing, it seems something else is waiting for me. I continue to trust the Lord has good in mind for me in all circumstances. Even when I cannot see how the growing pains are going to make me stronger, I know that God can see the end result. Daily I must make the choice to grow closer to His image.

 

Major God Moment June 16, 2011

Filed under: Recollections,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 5:53 pm

As I mentioned in my last blog, “Most Tenacious”, I’ve been struggling with moving past my current place and moving forward with the dreams that God has for me. Part of this moving forward involved me going through my childhood memory boxes to find my old journals. While I was searching for my journals, I found so many things that truly reminded me that my dream of being a writer has been with me for a long time. I laughed as I read a description I wrote about myself during my freshmen year of high school that says I love to write and dream to have a book published. Some things don’t change in 10 years! I still feel that way today and the desire to be published is growing even stronger with me and pushing me towards to new dreams.

Okay, here is the kicker – I found my “Most Tenacious” award!!! I couldn’t believe it! Just yesterday I was wondering if it was thrown away in childhood haste and yet no, it is preciously tucked away and well preserved! I feel like God gave me these items to remind me of who I am and really who I’ve always been! He made me this way and He knows how much I want see my dream come true – the dreams He gave me! I was so excited about finding the award that I had to take a picture of it and post it on my blog! I’m just as proud of that award now as I was then! The crazy thing is it dated June 11th, 1996 – almost exactly 15 years from the day I started to ponder my award and be challenged yet again by it’s meaning!

God has a way of confirming things to us and it is so unique to who we are and how He loves us! He is so creative in speaking to my heart and reminding me that He has heard my prayers and has good things in store for my future!

 

Most Tenacious June 15, 2011

Filed under: Recollections,Simply Me,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 3:33 pm

During my 4th grade school year, my house was flooded by the Lewis River in Woodland, WA. This was definitely an experience I remember vividly. Many people in our town had a similar flooding situation; however, I was the only one in my class whose home had flooded. My teacher at the time, Mrs. Fredricks, was a kind woman who spoke into my life a lot that year.  I went back to school the next day after the flood and I remember the hug she gave me. She hadn’t expected me back to school so quickly and her response made an impression on me. Throughout the year, she shared words of encouragement with me.

One time when we were on the bus driving back from swimming lessons, she sat beside me and shared that sometimes we have hard situations in our lives so that we can help others later through their own hard situations. As a 4th grader, I thought that was nice to say, but the true meaning didn’t sink in right away. At the end of the school year, Mrs. Fredricks gave out awards to many of the students in her classroom (I’m guessing everyone got one, but I only remember my own). She gave me the award for Most Tenacious.

Until this award entered my life, I didn’t even know what the word tenacious meant. One definition of tenacious given by Webster’s dictionary is “persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired.” My little 4th grade self was unaware of the impression I was making while just trying to make it through the school year and recover somewhat of a normal life. I have had other accomplishments in my life, but winning Most Tenacious still stands out to me.

It seems easy to be tenacious in a time of struggle. When life gets hard we all need an extra bit of tenacity to make it through. When you’re working towards that goal – whether it is finishing a degree, buying a home, seeking promotion and advancement, trying to reach a new level of ministry, or trying to reach that one person who needs break through – we seem to be hold to hold tight and maintain a firm direction and course.  These moments strengthen us as we use “faith muscles” we may have never had to use before.

Recently, I found myself in a place where I have felt stuck. I’ve always been a very goal driven person. Some of them have come true through a lot of hard work and some still wait to become reality. At some point, I felt like that I had done all that I could do. Things were the way they were and I couldn’t do anything to change it. I was at a crossroads. I could decide to accept things as they are or push forward and believe that there is still more out for me. As I began to think over all the dreams that I still have, this whole story of my Most Tenacious Award came floating up from my memory. I realized that I wasn’t acting very much like my 4th grade self who pushed through the sometimes yucky, real life stuff and moved on with my life.

There are moments when I get tired and I lose my tenacity. I don’t maintain the course and I feel stuck where I am. I know that when I push through these emotions and feelings, I can see that God has a lot in store for me when I’m willing to keep pressing on for the next thing. I have not arrived yet, I’m not who I want to be and I know that God’s not finished with me yet. I can sit back and let life happen to me or I can partner with God and be proactive.  It’s easy to get comfortable where we are at – even if we are unhappy there. It takes courage to step forward and say I want more and I am going to put myself in line with God’s will and go for it. True accomplishment doesn’t come from sprints of emotion, but from a tenacious spirit who is willing to maintain the course and not give up the dream regardless of anything.

 

From the Heart June 6, 2011

Filed under: Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 2:20 pm

As promised, here is my after road trip blog. *Insert sigh here* I’m not even sure where to begin. This last month has been a hard one for me for various reasons. I have found myself spending a lot of a emotional energy. I’m learning that the more emotional energy I spend the less energy I have for other things… this includes my blog.

I started off this writing adventure with great hopes. I had an opportunity for publication (nothing major) and it sent my spirit soaring and dreaming of the heights I could reach as a writer. Every time I was home alone I would work on a piece. For a while it all seemed to flow to easily. I guess things haven’t taken off as quickly as I had hoped and coupling that with a crazy month – I feel like I have hit my first stint of writers block (I find it humorous that I am writing about my writers block).

I’m keeping my eyes open for fresh insight and new things to share with you, but for the time being all I can say is that I am trying. I’m seeking and learning, but the lessons have been hard and they are a little too fresh to put into words. I can see God’s faithfulness through every step of the journey and I trust in His ordering of steps. Sometimes I wish I had more of a say in where these steps are leading me, but I know that no experience is wasted if I look for God in it.

My natural bent is to focus on the negative and to dwell on the things that are “wrong” in my life. My exercise for today is to find the small blessings and to hold on to them as a promise of all the good that God has for me. Today I am thankful for the sunshine, for my Toby dog who is snuggling next to me as I write this, for my friends and family who make me smile and laugh, for the home I write this blog in, for the yummy hot dog my hubby grilled for me at lunch, for birds singing outside. I could make an endless list if I continued to think about it all. I am loved and that is enough!

 

Time for moving on May 18, 2011

Filed under: Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 9:23 pm

I know that is a loaded title for a blog – for those of you worried about me moving or major life change – don’t worry! This is more of a “mental” moving than a physical one. Let me explain!

I have the best times with Jesus when I’m driving alone in my car. This may seem silly but the same Switchfoot CD is playing in my car and it just keeps hitting me with reflections and insights. Today’s insight was about moving on. One of the songs talks about holding on to things too tightly and being ready to move on when we’re called. I love to sing along to this song, but it’s probably something I have the hardest time living out.

I don’t like change. I wish I did, but I don’t. Even good change upsets me because it throws off my balance and flow. I am the kind of person that sinks into a routine and sticks with it. I love knowing what is expected of me and what’s coming next. No surprises. Well, sadly, life doesn’t really agree with what I “like.” Change happens all the time.

Here is the beautiful insight that hit me tonight – I keep telling myself that things will go back to normal as a way of coping. Once I get through “this” than it will go back to the way it was. I am learning that things never really go back to the way they were. Change happens and I need to deal with it. There is no going backwards, only forwards. I have often idealized the past and how things used to be or the way I like them to be. I have been holding on to what I want my life to look like. I’m holding on to ideals that are no longer reality. By holding on to things that are no more, I’m inhibiting my success as I go forwards.

Obviously, I’m not perfect. This reflection and insight does not mean I’m cured. I just know that I have been telling myself what sounds good, but is impossible. There really is no normal. Each new season brings new changes and I must adapt and move on. To sum it all up – don’t hold to things so tightly that you can’t move forward.

 

Take a Deep Breath May 4, 2011

Filed under: Bible,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 10:16 am

Many of you know how much of a worrier I can be. I’m practically a pro at it! My life verse for the last few years has been Philippians 4: 4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I need this reminder daily, hourly, minute-by-minute! I have a bit of an adventure ahead of me this weekend and of course, I’m nervous and a little worried. As I was getting ready this morning, this verse flooded over me and I took a deep breath. I know that God is in control! I know that my worrying won’t help anyone, most of all myself! I know that when I pray and thank the Lord, His peace will flow into my mind and heart! My prayer for today and this weekend is that I will be a joyful and gentle presence to those around me and that I will prayerfully give every anxiety to God! AMEN!

 

Economy of Mercy May 2, 2011

Filed under: Recollections,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 4:27 pm

Over the last week I’ve been listening to a CD that was very dear to my heart during high school. I find that when I listen to these “old school” songs, I feel peace. They have spoken to me many times in the past and still continue to speak to my heart today. As of late, “Economy of Mercy” by Switchfoot has been the song I play on repeat in my car. I thought I would share it with you.

“Economy Of Mercy”

There’s just two ways to lose yourself in this life
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find You?

In the economy of mercy
I am a poor and begging man
In the currency of Grace
Is where my song begins
In the colors of Your goodness
In the scars that mark your skin
In the currency of Grace
Is where my song begins

These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find You?

Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I?

I’m lost without You here
Yes, I’m lost without You near me
I’m lost without You here
You knew my name when the world was made

My favorite part of the song is the chorus and second verse. I need to remember that I am poor and begging in an economy of mercy, that I have been shown amazing grace because of the scars that my Savior took for me.  I love the line about not painting ourselves. I’ve felt a little bruised and broken this week, but it’s so good to remember that I am not the Creator. My life isn’t my own and it is in better hands than my own. Even if I am a little battered, I am still a masterpiece. Praise the Lord!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the song, listen to it – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=690DKM7RrM4. It’s a great song for quiet reflection and contemplation!